Therapeutic Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Neurocognitive Function in Patients with Heroin Dependence

Abstract

This study aims at probing the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on neurocognitive function in patients with heroin dependence Through different stimulation sites of prefrontal cortex targeted effects from two stimulation sites would be compared and further tested if they benefit frontal function to the same extent This experiment is a randomized counterbalanced sham-controlled factorial design which includes two prefrontal areas to be targeted dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and orbitofrontal cortex as one between variable; while two experimental treatments sham and active treatments as one within variable All research participants have been diagnosed as heroin dependence and shared a characteristic of heavy tobacco use to　a　moderate or severe extent Results showed that no significant effects were obtained on their neurocognitive performance; moreover no final conclusion has yet to be reached about the interaction effect of stimulation sites and experimental treatments This study would like to suggest scaling a larger sample treatment intensity or dosage and/or combining neuropsychological rehabilitation to shape a more specific cognitive learning that may be facilitated by tDCS

Date of Award	2019
Original language	English
Supervisor	Yen-Kuang Yang (Supervisor)